Caravanserai a Persian word means - An in built around a large court for accommodating caravans. Basically it is compound word - Caravan meaning a group of travellers, as merchants or pilgrims, journeying together for safety in passing through deserts, hostile territory, etc. and Serai meaning a place to stay specially a house built around a courtyard.

It was an important stopover for those travelling the Silk Road where they could rest and recover from the day's journey. Caravanserais supported the flow of commerce, information, and people across the network of trade routes covering Asia, North Africa, and South-Eastern Europe.